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Nigeria Police Warn Against Violent Reprisal Over Xenophobic Attacks

Published

5 months ago

June 1, 2026

Xenophobic Attacks South Africa: Nigeria Police urge calm, warn against reprisal violence, and say security agencies are monitoring the situation

The Nigeria Police Force has urged Nigerians to remain calm and avoid reprisal actions following reports of Xenophobic Attacks South Africa allegedly targeting Nigerian nationals, warning that any retaliatory violence within Nigeria will not be tolerated.

Also read: South Africa World Cup squad features surprise Ime Okon selection

Force Public Relations Officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Okon Placid, issued the advisory on Sunday via the Force’s official X account, stating that security and intelligence agencies had reviewed the situation and activated preventive measures to maintain public order.

The statement followed a Joint Intelligence Board meeting held on May 18, 2026, under the chairmanship of the National Security Adviser, according to the police.

“The Nigeria Police Force assures Nigerians that there is no cause for alarm. The Federal Government is actively engaging relevant authorities and stakeholders through diplomatic, intelligence, and security channels to resolve the situation peacefully and protect the interests of Nigerians at home and abroad,” the statement said.

While acknowledging public concern over the reported attacks in South Africa, the police cautioned citizens against taking the law into their own hands.

“While concerns about attacks on Nigerians in South Africa are understandable, the public is strongly advised not to take the law into their own hands,” the Force stated.

It further warned that reprisals, violence, intimidation, destruction of property, hate speech or any conduct capable of threatening public peace would be treated as criminal offences.

“Any attempt to target South African nationals, diplomatic facilities, businesses, or other lawful interests within Nigeria will be treated as a criminal act and dealt with in accordance with extant laws,” it added.

The police emphasised that Nigeria remains governed by the rule of law and that all legally resident foreign nationals are entitled to protection.

Authorities also urged citizens to refrain from circulating unverified or inflammatory content on social media, warning that misinformation could escalate tensions and complicate diplomatic efforts.

“Sharing false or provocative content can escalate tensions, undermine public order, and hinder diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation,” the statement said.

According to the Force, security agencies have intensified surveillance and deployed personnel to safeguard critical infrastructure, foreign missions and other sensitive locations across the country.

“The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other security and intelligence agencies, has implemented security measures and increased surveillance around critical national assets, foreign missions, and other key locations,” it stated.

The police said adequate deployments had been made nationwide to prevent any breakdown of law and order while diplomatic efforts continue.

Reaffirming its commitment to peace and stability, the Force assured Nigerians that law enforcement agencies remain fully prepared to protect lives and property.

“The Force remains fully committed to protecting lives and property, preserving public peace, and maintaining national security,” the statement added.

The advisory comes amid renewed concern over reports of violence against foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, which have historically triggered diplomatic tensions across the continent.

Also read: DHQ Says Joint Nigeria-US Strikes Killed 175 ISIS Fighters

Nigerian authorities say ongoing engagement with South African officials and international partners is aimed at ensuring the safety of citizens abroad while preventing escalation at home.

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Carrick Admits Man United Have Fallen Below Expectations

Published

1 day ago

October 23, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Michael Carrick admits Man United have fallen below expectations after a poor run of results, urging players to restore the club’s identity

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has admitted that the club have fallen below expectations following a disappointing run of results, insisting that his players must rediscover the values and identity that have defined the Premier League side.

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Speaking at a press conference on Friday, October 23, 2026, ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Bournemouth at Old Trafford, Carrick described the team’s recent performances as unacceptable and called for a collective effort to restore confidence.

The manager was particularly critical of Wednesday’s 4-1 Champions League defeat by Como, which he said had been painful to witness.

“Recently we haven’t had a good time, I think that’s pretty obvious,” Carrick said, according to BBC Sport.

“Wednesday was a bad night, and it hurt me to see us play like that. It was unacceptable.”

United’s struggles have intensified scrutiny of Carrick, with the team enduring a run of seven games without a victory.

Reports of tensions and criticism within the squad have added to the pressure ahead of the Bournemouth fixture.

The former United midfielder said his priority was to ensure the team performed in a way that reflected the club’s traditions and gave supporters reason to be proud.

“My responsibility is to get a team on the pitch that represents this football club, and the supporters, and they can be proud of in the identity we show,” he said.

“We have gone away from that recently. We all must recognise that.”

Carrick stressed that Manchester United’s history should serve as a reminder of the standards expected from players and staff, particularly during difficult periods.

He highlighted resilience, humility and hard work as essential qualities, warning that the club could not afford to abandon those principles amid its current struggles.

“The foundation and values of this football club have been etched for many years. I totally understand and get every single one of them,” he said.

“There’s a resilience about this football club that runs very deep. I’ve seen it with my own eyes, I’ve felt it, I know some of the individuals closely who have been a big part of that history.”

Carrick also rejected any suggestion that the club’s reputation should entitle its players to special treatment.

“Entitlement cannot be at this football club,” he said.

“It was based on being humble, having humility, and hard work. We can never lose that, and I won’t let us lose that.”

Carrick also declined to rule out leaving captain Bruno Fernandes out of the starting line-up against Bournemouth when asked whether he had considered dropping the Portuguese midfielder.

Fernandes has reportedly criticised Carrick’s tactics following the defeat in Italy, adding another dimension to the scrutiny surrounding the team.

However, Carrick said decisions would be guided by what he believed was best for the club rather than individual considerations.

“The most important thing for me is the team, the squad and dynamics in the squad,” he said.

“It’s about the football club. I’ll always do what is best for the football club.”

His comments suggest that team selection will be based on collective performance and squad dynamics as United seek to arrest their poor run.

Manchester United will host Bournemouth on Sunday as Carrick attempts to guide the team back to winning ways and ease mounting pressure.

The manager’s immediate challenge is to translate his call for renewed commitment into an improved performance on the pitch.

Also read: NSCDC arrests 22-year-old over cable vandalism in Gombe

With supporters demanding better results, the Bournemouth encounter presents United with an opportunity to demonstrate greater resilience and begin rebuilding confidence within the squad.